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Annotation: Jake, who is a pariah because of the results of his risk-taking behavior, seeks adrenaline rushes to clear his dark thoughts, but when the girl he loves gets caught up in taking chances, too, the consequences are devastating.

Contributor Bio(s): IV>Jerk, California is Jonathan Friesen’s first novel. A fourteen-year public school teacher and writing instructor at the University of Minnesota, Jonathan shares his passion for writing with children of all ages—including three of his own, whom he home schools. He lives in Mora, Minnesota.

Reviewed by School Library Journal Reviews (SLJ Reviews 2010 August)

Gr 8 Upâ€”Jake is a daredevil who feels the constant need for an adrenaline rush. His reckless stunts have made him the town pariah; he's hurt others and gotten himself expelled. Then a situation arises, and Jake has a chance to prove his mettle with an elite crew of firefighters who rappel from helicopters into raging wildfires. The irony is that in the midst of the firefighting season Jake develops a healthy respect for danger as his relationship with longtime friend Salome evolves, and he finally feels as though he has something to lose. Fighting fires is risky work, but the unauthorized method that the team leader has devised to weed out the weak is even more brutal and dangerous. The fast-paced story moves back and forth through time and while readers come to understand Jake, sympathizing with his dysfunctional family requires more of a stretch. Some of the plot twists are confusing, e.g., the relationship between Salome and Jake's older brother is never made clear. However, teen readers, especially guys with a penchant for extreme adventure, may well overlook any shortcomings and plunge into the heart-pounding action as Jake battles blazes and uncovers sinister activity among his fellow firefighters.â€”Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA